Police officer named to full-time post in Frankfort

FRANKFORT — The Frankfort village board appointed a new full-time police officer during last week’s village board meeting.

Steven Martin Jr., who was named a part-time police officer with the village early this year, was appointed to the full-time slot effective July 24.

His family was on hand at the meeting where he signed his oath of office and received congratulations from board members.

The board also accepted the resignations of Timothy Klock and Jonathon Reska from the department and approved a leave of absence for Officer Chastity Eckert.

A local law was adopted that adds Palmer Street west from First Avenue to the village line to the streets where no parking is permitted at any time. Mayor Richard Adams explained during a public hearing on the law there had been an issue for several years with an individual parking a number of vehicles along the side of the road in that location. The board had adopted a similar law several years ago that was never enacted, although a stop sign was added at that time.

Petrie said there have been fewer accidents at the intersection since the addition of the stop sign.

In other business

The board conducted a public hearing on the village’s plans to submit a Consolidated Funding Application to New York State Homes and Community Renewal to seek funding under the Community Development Block Grant Community Planning Program. The village could apply for up to $50,000. Eric Schuler, of Barton & Loguidice, was on hand to discuss possibilities for a grant, including developing a community needs assessment to look at potential concerns for infrastructure, public facilities or economic development.

During its reorganizational meeting, the board approved appointments and designations and set the schedule for regular meetings. Trustee Michael Entwistle was named deputy mayor, Cory Zennamo was appointed village attorney, Gina Bellino will serve as registrar of vital statistics, James Staffo will continue as codes officer and building inspector, Starr Mizerak is budget officer and the mayor will serve as public safety commissioner. Regular meetings are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month.

Power and Light Department Foreman Joseph Salvaggio reported the village had received one bid for the transformer to begin upgrading the electrical system for the Route 5S South business park. T&R Electric, of South Dakota, submitted a bid of $58,500 for the transformer. The board approved the bid. Salvaggio said another transformer will also be needed, but this one will provide the necessary voltage to allow the project at the park to get started and will be left in place as a backup when the other is installed.

A utility pole at Palmer Street and Park will have to be relocated because it is on top of a sewer main, according to Salvaggio. He said a power outage could be required, but the department will try to do the work without an outage.

He also reported Northern Communications has been attaching lines to village poles without notifying the village. Adams said he would contact the village attorney about the matter.